Demolitions in Jerusalem continue: Families lose their homes on Eid
On the eve of Eid al-Adha, the Jerusalem municipality escalated its home demolitions. In a scene that has become familiar and painful, four Jerusalemite families suddenly found themselves out in the open, standing amidst rubble and stones, trying to gather what remained of their furniture and memories, and planting seeds of hope in their children's eyes despite the devastation.
The municipality continues its demolition policy under the pretext of "building without a permit," while imposing complex and lengthy procedures to obtain a building permit, which drains years and vast sums of money. This forces most Jerusalemites to build without a permit as their only housing option. After years of stability, they are surprised by a demolition order, forcing them to face a harsh confrontation: either the municipality carries out the demolition with its bulldozers, or they are forced to self-demolish their homes under the threat of exorbitant fines (both bitter options).
This Tuesday morning, Israeli municipality crews and vehicles, accompanied by Israeli forces, stormed the Al-Bustan neighborhood in Silwan. They imposed a tight siege on the area, closed the entrances and roads, and evicted the residents of the Al-Qaimari and Odeh families before beginning the demolition process.
The Al-Qaimari family home, which covers 40 square meters and was built 10 years ago, was home to a family of five, including three children. The family received the demolition order last week.
The Odeh family home, meanwhile, housed four people, including two children.
In Jabal al-Mukabber, for the second day in a row, Muhannad al-Qunbar continued to self-demolish his home. The 150-square-meter home, built in 2006, housed seven people, including four children.
In Beit Hanina, the Hashima family was also forced to self-demolish their home two days ago, built in 2004. The home houses two families of 14 people, half of whom are children.
